Dr. Kutbi is a foot and ankle specialist and practices podiatry in Puerto Rico.
Q1.What led you to a career in Podiatric Medicine?

My grandmother was a diabetic and had lost a limb before I was born. This allowed me to focus on the importance of limb loss prevention.

Q2.Is podiatry a good career for a work/life balance?

Absolutely! You are able to manage your time as you see fit, whether it is a strong surgical, hospital-based, or clinical-based practice.

Q3.Is there a specific or ideal time that is best to get married or have kids?

HAHA. It all depends on the individual situation. Some things to consider for this decision are: a very helpful partner, financial situation, and starting a new practice. In the end, though, only you will know the right time that fits you. We have no doubts that we have the power to handle both whenever we choose. For me, my first child was during the second year of podiatry school. My second child was during the second year of my surgical residency, and my third child was during the first year of opening my private office.

Q4. As a female physician, what has been your biggest barrier in medicine?

I can’t think of any. Many times, I believe barriers are self-imposed, and obstacles are challenges that make it interesting.

Q5. What does a typical week look like for you (including personal life, social life, and career)?

I work approximately forty hours a week. I stopped doing hospital consults about two years ago. I usually meet friends after work for dinner and drinks or cook at home with good company and wine. My children are grown, so I have a lot of “me” time.
Weekends are when I usually go to the beach or local sights. Sundays, I prefer to stay at home and totally relax.

Q6.How is your practice structured? Do you focus on clinics, surgery or a mixture of both?

In the past few years, I stopped going to the hospital since it took too much of my time for not much pay. So, I only do in-office procedures and recently started focusing on foot aesthetics.

Q7.What financial advice can you give to a young podiatrist as they transition into his/her career?

Financially, it is a challenge due to the privatization movement in medicine. My best advice is to add procedures into your practice that have no insurance coverage. Never forget that the aesthetics of the foot is very important.

Q8.What advice would you give a current aspiring female Podiatric Medical doctor?

Do not forget to love what you do. Use the blessing of being a female as a powerful tool in treating your patients; the compassion and care that naturally comes through us.

Q9.What do you think is the best way to address the question residency ask such as “are you planning to have a child in residency”?

Since we cannot change the way society still believes that we are unable to be awesome moms and doctors, I would absolutely say in my interview “Motherhood is not in my plans for at least 10 years”.

Q10.How would you recommend addressing a sexist comment or action from patients? 

Use charm to be clear and direct without being offensive. In those cases where they don’t get it, be offensive.

Interview by Ana Silva.

School: Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine

Breaking the Mold: Today’s Podiatric Women

March 2020, Special Edition, Student, Lifestyle, Motivation

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